Published: Dec 20, 2018 Last Updated: Oct 27, 2019

Can You Get Shingrix If You Have Diabetes?

Shingrix is not known to raise blood sugar and is safe for diabetics.

Answered By: Dr. Brian Staiger Pharm.D

Can You Get Shingrix If You Have Diabetes?

Dec 19, 2018

reene asked

My blood sugar is high and I am scheduled to receive the 2nd Shingrix shot today. Is this safe for me to do so? Thanks for your help!

At a glance

Neither hyperglycemia (i.e. high blood sugar) nor being diagnosed with diabetes are contraindications to receiving Shingrix, the shingles vaccine. Additionally, Shingrix is not known cause a rise in blood sugar levels after administration.

Answer

Shingrix Vaccine Packaging With Text - Can You Get Shingrix If You Have Diabetes?

It is safe to get the Shingrix vaccination, even if you have high blood sugar or have been diagnosed with diabetes. There is no contraindication.

The prescribing information for Shingrix does not mention diabetes or high blood sugar as having any effect on the vaccine. In addition, increased blood sugar is not a known side effect of Shingrix.

There aren't many absolute contraindications to Shingrix. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) lists the following contraindications:

References

^ Shingrix Prescribing Information. FDA
^ Shingrix Recommendations. CDC
^ General recommendations on immunization --- recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). American Family Physician
^ Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 and Adult Vaccination. CDC

Dr. Brian Staiger Pharm.D

Dr. Brian Staiger is a licensed pharmacist in New York State and the founder of the Q+A website PharmacistAnswers.com. He graduated from the University At Buffalo with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2010.

He has been featured in numerous publications including the Huffington Post as well as a variety of health and pharmacy-related blogs.

Please feel free to reach out to him directly if you have any inquiries or want to connect! He's answered thousands of medication and pharmacy-related questions and he's ready to answer yours!